Words by Chanelle Goddard
Channel U is back, and most grime fans can barely hide their excitement. Here’s everything you need to know about the show’s return…
From 2013-2018, Channel U (later renamed Channel AKA) acted as the house of all things British grime. It gave well-known and loved artists the platform to grow their careers: Giggs, Wiley and Wretch 32 can all trace their beginnings to Channel U. It’s no surprise, then, that news of the show’s return this November was received with excitement by thousands of fans. On 13 November, creators of the show plan to return with a bang; they’ll be playing all your favourite old school and new grime hits, whilst showcasing Black films and TV shows.
Just like us, you may be struggling to contain your excitement. You need details, the gossip and everything else there is to know – here’s all the information you need about the return of Channel U:
In its 15-year history, Channel U had a big impact on British culture and music
Throughout its 15-year run, Channel U had a big impact on Black British music and culture. For the channel, it wasn’t just about the big stars; talented artists who were looking for a ‘big break’ at the beginning of their careers were also given the chance to make their name on the show. During the early stages of their careers, Dizzee Rascal, Chip, Skepta and many others were all featured on the channel – not a bad record at all.
Channel U’s acknowledgement for new and existing Black talents was one of the main reasons it became popular amongst grime and music fans – making it a staple of British culture and music for a number of years. Not only was Channel U adored and loved by fans, but artists also appreciated the opportunities it gave them to reach new audiences, whether national or global.
The reaction to its comeback is just the beginning
It’s fair to say that when news of Channel’s U return broke, it created a bit of a social media frenzy – thousands of fans could barely hide their excitement, and for good reason too. It gives fans the dose of nostalgia they’ve been craving, whilst creating opportunities for new up-and-coming artists. Just like thousands of grime fans around the country, grime artist D Double E could barely contain his excitement. In a BBC Radio 1 interview, he said: “Channel U returning is big for the scene, we (grime artists) haven’t really got much TV support so it will be good for us.” And after its two-year hiatus, the show’s creators will be hoping that its impact and legacy continues.
‘Against All Odds’
On its return, Channel U will be premiering the highly anticipated grime film ‘Against All Odds’, which focuses on the journey of music artist MC Active, as he tries to make a name for himself in the grime scene in the early 2000s. The film is directed by British-Nigerian actor Femi Oyeniran, who also starred in Kidulthood as Moony. On the release of the film, he said it was a “visual homage to one of the most potent expressions of Black British music: grime.”
From what we know, it looks like Channel U – just as it did in its 15-year history – is getting ready to send waves across the grime and music industry once again.
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